Operating a successful home-based business is a time-consuming endeavor, especially for work-at-home moms. We are responsible not only for the success of our business but also for the well-being of our families. Balancing both requires self-reliance, discipline, and careful planning.
When running a home-based business, it’s easy to let phone calls, emails, and paperwork consume your day. You may find yourself spending more time than expected on your computer or phone, while your children seek your attention. If you feel like the dream of working from home isn’t turning out as planned, don’t worry—there are ways to regain balance.
Below are five ideas to help you prioritize your life and business:
1. Be Honest About Your Goals and Time
You likely didn’t start your work-at-home journey to climb a corporate ladder. Many mompreneurs begin their businesses with the intention of spending more time with their families or contributing financially. Reflect on your original motivation and assess if your current routine aligns with those goals.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you spending too much time on the phone or computer?
- Are your kids spending more time than usual in front of the TV?
- Do you find yourself stressed and snapping at your children?
- Are worries about your business distracting you from family time?
2. Make a List to Stay Organized
Sit down and write a list of the things you want to change. This can include ways to limit your business hours or techniques to reduce stress. Having a clear plan will help you stay focused on your priorities.
3. Track Your Time for Better Efficiency
Use a notebook or a digital tool to log the hours you spend on business tasks each day. Create a spreadsheet with half-hour increments and track when you start and stop working. At the end of the week, review your time log. Are you spending more time than you realized on emails or non-billable tasks?
Diana Ennen of Virtual Word Publishing recommends scheduling your work during your most productive hours and avoiding distractions like frequent email checks. By setting specific times for answering emails, you’ll free up more time for focused work.
4. Take Breaks to Refresh
If your time log surprises you, it may be time to take a break. Consider taking the weekend off. Shut down your email, turn off your phone, and step away from your desk. Use this time to reflect on how you can better balance work and family.
If your children are in school, try to stop working when they get home. If your kids are younger, consider working during naptime or asking a family member to help watch them for a few hours.
5. Plan Family Activities for Balance
Once you’ve made the decision to create more balance, plan a weekly activity with your kids. This could be a simple activity like baking cookies together or going for a walk. If possible, find another work-at-home mom to partner with for accountability. You can schedule playdates where your children spend time together while you catch up—either about business or with a “no business talk allowed” rule.
Conclusion: Achieving Success in Both Family and Business
The time you have with your children is a gift, just like your business. Finding the right balance between the two will look different for every family, but it’s essential to regularly evaluate your priorities. When your family is proud of your business accomplishments and you feel fulfilled as a mom, you’ll know you’ve found the right balance.
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